Policeman, broker held for bribery

A head constable of Oshiwara police station, Yashwant Patil, and his broker were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday while they were returning part of a bribe.

ACB sources said a team from the Oshiwara police station, led by a senior officer, had busted a video piracy syndicate at Andheri two months ago. After this, the police began harassing the three suspects and demanded Rs 3 lakh to prevent arrest.

But even after taking the money, the police arrested them. The police also allegedly detained another person from Navi Mumbai and released him after he paid up Rs 2 lakh.

Following the incident, the person (complainant, name withdrawn) approached the commissioner of police and other departments, including the ACB, and filed a complaint. A DCP level inquiry was ordered by the commissioner, even as the ACB began its inquiry.

The Oshiwara police got wind of the inquiry and offered to return the complainant’s money if he withdrew the complaint. The ACB officials arrested Patil’s broker, Ajay Thakur, while he was returning the money.